They are also demanding a second set of guarantees from Alabar: Tenants of seven Ulcinj beaches have sent a request to the company "Eagle Hills"

Tenants of seven Ulcinj beaches have sent a request to the company "Eagle Hills Montenegro", an Arab investor Mohamed Alabara, to pay them the second part of the guarantees, which it kept after returning the beaches obtained in the tender.

In the tender of the Public Company for Coastal Zone Management (JP) in March, Alabaro's company competed for 19 beaches on Velika Plaza. It offered the highest amounts of money for nine beaches, but withdrew from seven in mid-June because the previous tenants, who were ranked second, agreed to pay the company's bank guarantees.

Meanwhile, the company has returned half of the guarantees paid to the tenants of the beaches "Havana", "Safari", "Saranda", "Hills", "Coral", "Olea" and "Paraise" to them.

The PE previously announced that the bank guarantees of "Eagle Hills" for nine beaches on Velika Plaza amount to 600 thousand euros.

According to information from "Vijesti", for some of them the guarantees amounted to more than 100 thousand euros.

The tenants stated in their petition that the participation of Alabaro's company in the tender and the months that followed, which were marked by uncertainty, significantly disrupted the course of the tourist season, which, they claim, ultimately affected the final business result.

"We are writing to you after several meetings with local businessmen and landowners on Velika Plaza, of which we ourselves are an integral part. During these meetings, very fair discussions were held and an open exchange of opinions was achieved regarding the potential investment you are announcing. However, despite such a constructive dialogue, we have been denied a definitive response to our request relating to the payment of the remaining part of the guarantee amount, withheld after the tender for the lease of beaches in the municipality of Ulcinj. We believe that a positive response to this request would be a clear indicator of a fair relationship towards this, one of the most important sectors of the overall tourist offer on Velika Plaza. We are writing to you in good faith and with the sincere hope that, in accordance with previously expressed positions and announcements, the payment of the remaining part of the guarantee amount that was withheld after the tender for the lease of beaches in the municipality of Ulcinj will be made," the request states.

The tenants emphasize that they are aware of the circumstances and complexity of the process, and that they appreciate the fact that part of the guarantee has already been returned.

"However, we believe it is justified to refund the remaining amount, as informally announced, given the negative consequences that resulted from the decision to participate in the tender. Namely, the aforementioned decision significantly disrupted the previous tourist season, primarily for long-term beach tenants. There was a late start to the season, difficult and accelerated organization of the beach, as well as a significant financial burden for tenants, who found themselves in a situation of increased costs and uncertainty in the most sensitive part of the year," the petition states.

The tenants assessed that it was in their mutual interest to complete the process in a way that would further confirm partnership, mutual respect and long-term cooperation, and contribute to the stability of the local tourism economy and strengthening trust between investors and the local community.

"In that spirit, we kindly ask you to consider this request and, in accordance with previous announcements, make the payment of the remaining part of the guarantee, which would send a clear message of responsible and fair treatment towards local businessmen who form the basis of the tourist offer of Velika Plaza."

In mid-May, Alabar admitted that he had made a mistake by applying for the tender for the lease of beaches in Ulcinj, but he also explained his reasons for such a decision.

"I wanted to get a swimming area on Velika Plaza to show the public how this area can be developed," the Arab investor said at the time.

He also explained that after harsh public reactions, he decided to return the seven swimming pools that he had previously won in a tender in March.

Alabaro's company will manage the "Tropikana" and "Imperial" beaches in the coming period.